Jamahl Hines, who has been serving in the role of principal at West Hartford’s Conard High School since early 2022, announced that he will be officially stepping down at the end of the current academic year.

By Ronni Newton

Conard Principal Jamahl Hines announced to the school community Thursday afternoon that he has made the difficult decision to officially step down from his role at the end of the current academic year.

In his announcement, Hines said that serving Conard “has been a profound honor and a deeply rewarding experience,” but said his decision, which was not made lightly but is one he feels is right for him and his family, was made with “a sense of duty and responsibility to address pressing personal circumstances.”

Hines was named interim principal at Conard during a shuffling of roles that occurred in early 2022 – when Rick Ledwith was named town manager and Conard’s previous principal, Julio Duarte, took over Ledwith’s previous role as executive director of Human Resources for West Hartford Public Schools. Hines was officially appointed to the principal position at Conard in June 2022, following an extensive search.

“Jamahl has been a role model for students and a celebrated leader during his tenure at Conard, earning the distinction of Connecticut Assistant Principal of the Year in 2022,” West Hartford Superintendent Paul Vicinus said Thursday in a statement shared with We-Ha.com. “I am grateful for his leadership while at Conard, his service to the community and his friendship.”

Jocelyn Tamborello-Noble. Courtesy photo

Specific details have not been provided, but the community is aware that Hines has been on medical leave since the fall of 2023. During that time Jocelyn Tamborello-Noble, who was previously an assistant principal, has been serving as interim principal of Conard. She will continue in that role through at least the end of the current academic year, Vicinus confirmed, and details about the formal process for naming a permanent principal will follow.

“Together, we have navigated challenges and celebrated numerous achievements, fostering an environment of excellence and support for our students. I am deeply grateful for the trust and collaboration that have defined my time at Conard,” Hines said in his letter to the Conard community.

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